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Sign Up Now ForTreating sleep disorders may help psychological problems, reports the Harvard Mental Health Letter
Chronic sleep problems affect 50% to 80% of the patients in a typical psychiatric practice, compared with 10% to 18% of adults in the general population. Doctors have traditionally viewed insomnia and other sleep disorders as symptoms of depression and other mental health problems. But recent studies suggest that sleep problems may raise risk for, and even contribute to, the development of some psychiatric disorders. That means treating a sleep disorder may also reduce symptoms of a mental health problem, reports the July 2009 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter .
The type of sleep disorder and its impact on mental health vary by psychiatric diagnosis. But the overlap between sleep and psychiatric disorders is so great that researchers have long suspected both types of problems may have common biological roots. Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, notes that sleep disruption affects levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones, many of which are implicated in depression and other psychiatric disorders. In addition to impairing thinking and emotional regulation, insomnia may amplify the effects of psychiatric disorders, and vice versa.
Depression: An estimated 65% to 90% of adults with major depression experience some kind of sleep problem. Sleep problems also increase the risk for developing depression.
Bipolar disorder: During a manic episode, 70% or more of individuals experience insomnia or report less need for sleep. Studies suggest that insomnia and other sleep problems worsen before an episode of mania.
Anxiety disorders: Sleep problems affect more than half of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Insomnia may also be a risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder, and can worsen symptoms or prevent recovery.
Read the full-length article: "Sleep and mental health"
The type of sleep disorder and its impact on mental health vary by psychiatric diagnosis. But the overlap between sleep and psychiatric disorders is so great that researchers have long suspected both types of problems may have common biological roots. Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, notes that sleep disruption affects levels of neurotransmitters and stress hormones, many of which are implicated in depression and other psychiatric disorders. In addition to impairing thinking and emotional regulation, insomnia may amplify the effects of psychiatric disorders, and vice versa.
Depression: An estimated 65% to 90% of adults with major depression experience some kind of sleep problem. Sleep problems also increase the risk for developing depression.
Bipolar disorder: During a manic episode, 70% or more of individuals experience insomnia or report less need for sleep. Studies suggest that insomnia and other sleep problems worsen before an episode of mania.
Anxiety disorders: Sleep problems affect more than half of individuals with generalized anxiety disorder. Insomnia may also be a risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder, and can worsen symptoms or prevent recovery.
Read the full-length article: "Sleep and mental health"
Also in this issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter
- References for "Sleep and mental health"
- References for "Manipulating memory to overcome fear"
- References for "Treating fibromyalgia in the mental health setting"
- References for "Commentary: The pleasure we take from other people's pain"
- Sleep and mental health
- Manipulating memory to overcome fear
- Treating fibromyalgia in the mental health setting
- In Brief: Alcohol abuse may lead to depression
- In Brief: Lithium may reduce risk of dementia
- Commentary: The pleasure we take from other people's pain
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Harvard Health Publications publishes five monthly newsletters--Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women's Health Watch, Harvard Men's Health Watch, Harvard Mental Health Letter, and Harvard Heart Letter--as well as more than 50 special health reports and books drawing on the expertise of the 8,000 faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School and its world-famous affiliated hospitals.